Oracabessa

Sean Connery was the first actor cast as James Bond, aka Secret Agent 007. Dr. No, the first Bond film to draw fans to movie theaters (in 1962), was filmed in London and Kingston, Jamaica. Most of the filming was completed here in Oracabessa (pictured), a small town in Jamaica.9601280

Sean Connery was the first actor cast as James Bond, aka Secret Agent 007. Dr. No, the first Bond film to draw fans to movie theaters (in 1962), was filmed in London and Kingston, Jamaica. Most of the filming was completed here in Oracabessa (pictured), a small town in Jamaica.

Getty Images

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

From Russian With Love (1963) was filmed primarily in Istanbul, Turkey, including the Hagia Sophia (pictured), where Tatiana Romanova has a pre-arranged rendezvous with Agent 007 to give him the floor plan of the Soviet consulate.9601280

From Russian With Love (1963) was filmed primarily in Istanbul, Turkey, including the Hagia Sophia (pictured), where Tatiana Romanova has a pre-arranged rendezvous with Agent 007 to give him the floor plan of the Soviet consulate.

Thinkstock

Fort Knox

Fort Knox

In the movie Goldfinger (1964), the dashing British spy halts Goldfinger’s plan to detonate a nuclear bomb inside Fort Knox. US Army post is located south of Louisville, KY.9601280

In the movie Goldfinger (1964), the dashing British spy halts Goldfinger’s plan to detonate a nuclear bomb inside Fort Knox. US Army post is located south of Louisville, KY.

Liz West, Flickr

Paradise Island

Paradise Island

Be inspired and retrace Bond’s steps on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where most of the 1965 movieThunderball was filmed.9601280

Be inspired and retrace Bond’s steps on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where most of the 1965 movieThunderball was filmed.

Thinkstock

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle

You Only Live Twice (1967) was shot primarily at the Himeji Castle in Hyogo, Japan. On film, this was the location for an undercover ninja training camp headed by Japanese secret service leader Tiger Tanaka.9601280

You Only Live Twice (1967) was shot primarily at the Himeji Castle in Hyogo, Japan. On film, this was the location for an undercover ninja training camp headed by Japanese secret service leader Tiger Tanaka.

Hotel Estoril Palacio

Hotel Estoril Palacio

Before the opening credits rolled in the 1969 Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the Palacio Estoril was where the luxurious hotel scenes were filmed. The historic hotel was the second home of the Spanish, French, Bulgarian and Romanian royal families, and it still remains a favorite with their descendants. This was actor George Lazenby’s first and only time cast in the role of Agent 007.9601280

Before the opening credits rolled in the 1969 Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the Palacio Estoril was where the luxurious hotel scenes were filmed. The historic hotel was the second home of the Spanish, French, Bulgarian and Romanian royal families, and it still remains a favorite with their descendants. This was actor George Lazenby’s first and only time cast in the role of Agent 007.

Hotel Estoril Palacio

Elrod Residence, Palm Springs

Elrod Residence, Palm Springs

In the 1971 movie Diamonds Are Forever, the Elrod House, designed by architect John Lautner, was transformed into the Whyte House, home of reclusive billionaire and casino owner Willard Whyte.9601280

In the 1971 movie Diamonds Are Forever, the Elrod House, designed by architect John Lautner, was transformed into the Whyte House, home of reclusive billionaire and casino owner Willard Whyte.

Getty Images

Jamaica

Jamaica

Jamaica doubles as San Monique in Live and Let Die (1973). Secret Agent 007 flies to the fictitious island where he goes beyond his duty to “persuade” Rosie Carver, a CIA double agent, to help him bring down a corrupt Caribbean dictator named Dr. Kananga.9601280

Jamaica doubles as San Monique in Live and Let Die (1973). Secret Agent 007 flies to the fictitious island where he goes beyond his duty to “persuade” Rosie Carver, a CIA double agent, to help him bring down a corrupt Caribbean dictator named Dr. Kananga.

Callie Reed, Flickr

Ko Tapu Islet

Ko Tapu Islet

Visit Francisco Scaramanga’s hideout on Ko Khao Phing Kan in the Phuket’s Phang Nga Province. After the 1974 release of The Man with the Golden Gun, locals and travel guidebooks began to refer to the nearby Ko Tapu islet as James Bond Island. Just beware of Scaramanga’s solar ray secret weapon.9601280

Visit Francisco Scaramanga’s hideout on Ko Khao Phing Kan in the Phuket’s Phang Nga Province. After the 1974 release of The Man with the Golden Gun, locals and travel guidebooks began to refer to the nearby Ko Tapu islet as James Bond Island. Just beware of Scaramanga’s solar ray secret weapon.

Thinkstock

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Actor Roger Moore plays the British agent in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). James Bond travels to Sardinia where he learns about Karl Stromberg -- a shipping tycoon, scientist and anarchist -- and his new supertanker, the Liparus.9601280

Actor Roger Moore plays the British agent in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). James Bond travels to Sardinia where he learns about Karl Stromberg -- a shipping tycoon, scientist and anarchist -- and his new supertanker, the Liparus.

fry, Flickr

Pao de Acucar

Pao de Acucar

In Rio de Janeiro, James Bond fights with steel-toothed Jaws during a cable-car ride to Pao de Acucar, aka Sugarloaf Mountain in Moonraker (1979).9601280

In Rio de Janeiro, James Bond fights with steel-toothed Jaws during a cable-car ride to Pao de Acucar, aka Sugarloaf Mountain in Moonraker (1979).

Thinkstock

Monastery of the Holy Trinity

Monastery of the Holy Trinity

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Meteora -- above Kalambaka, Greece -- served as a location shoot in the 1981 Bond flick For Your Eyes Only. A Greek bishop was paid to allow filming in the monasteries. Rumor has it that actor Roger Moore had a great fear of heights, and to do the climbing, he resorted to moderate drinking to calm his nerves. We’re just wondering if it was shaken, not stirred.9601280

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Meteora -- above Kalambaka, Greece -- served as a location shoot in the 1981 Bond flick For Your Eyes Only. A Greek bishop was paid to allow filming in the monasteries. Rumor has it that actor Roger Moore had a great fear of heights, and to do the climbing, he resorted to moderate drinking to calm his nerves. We’re just wondering if it was shaken, not stirred.

Dido3, Wikimedia Commons

Lake Palace

Lake Palace

About half of the movie Octopussy was set in Udaipur, India -- primarily in this floating palace.9601280

About half of the movie Octopussy was set in Udaipur, India -- primarily in this floating palace.

flickr, Wikimedia Commons

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

After a mad dash through the streets of San Francisco in a fire truck, a battle between 007 and Max Zorin comes to a head on the Golden Gate Bridge in A View to a Kill (1985).9601280

After a mad dash through the streets of San Francisco in a fire truck, a battle between 007 and Max Zorin comes to a head on the Golden Gate Bridge in A View to a Kill (1985).

Thinkstock

Rock of Gibraltar

Rock of Gibraltar

Actor Timothy Dalton’s first movie as 007 was The Living Daylights in 1987. In the opening scenes before the credits, 007’s car flies off a cliff on the Rock of Gibraltar. In true Bond fashion, he’s prepared with a parachute and he manages to land safely in a boat full of beautiful women below.9601280

Actor Timothy Dalton’s first movie as 007 was The Living Daylights in 1987. In the opening scenes before the credits, 007’s car flies off a cliff on the Rock of Gibraltar. In true Bond fashion, he’s prepared with a parachute and he manages to land safely in a boat full of beautiful women below.

Artur Bogacki

Key West, Florida

Key West, Florida

In Licence to Kill (1989), the British secret agent travels to Key West, FL, to see his best friend, Felix Lieter, get married. A happy occasion turns ugly when drug lord Franz Sanchez orders his henchmen to kill the newlyweds. Soon after, M meets Bond at the Hemingway House to send him to Istanbul for his next assignment.9601280

In Licence to Kill (1989), the British secret agent travels to Key West, FL, to see his best friend, Felix Lieter, get married. A happy occasion turns ugly when drug lord Franz Sanchez orders his henchmen to kill the newlyweds. Soon after, M meets Bond at the Hemingway House to send him to Istanbul for his next assignment.

Arecibo Observatory

Arecibo Observatory

In 1989, actor Pierce Brosnan made his debut as the new James Bond in GoldenEye. The climactic fight scenes on the satellite were filmed here, at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.9601280

In 1989, actor Pierce Brosnan made his debut as the new James Bond in GoldenEye. The climactic fight scenes on the satellite were filmed here, at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.

Jose Venegas, Flickr

Stoke Park

Stoke Park

In Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), the steamy love scene between James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) and Paris Carver (Teri Hatcher) was filmed here in Stoke Park, a historic estate -- now a hotel, spa and country club -- in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, England.9601280

In Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), the steamy love scene between James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) and Paris Carver (Teri Hatcher) was filmed here in Stoke Park, a historic estate -- now a hotel, spa and country club -- in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, England.

Stoke Park

Guggenheim Museum

Guggenheim Museum

The pre-title sequence in The World Is Not Enough (1999) begins in Bilbao, Spain, at the legendary Guggenheim Museum.9601280

The pre-title sequence in The World Is Not Enough (1999) begins in Bilbao, Spain, at the legendary Guggenheim Museum.

Samuel Negredo, Flickr

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

Various exterior scenes where Bond visits the Ice Palace in Die Another Day were shot here, in and around this iceberg-filled lake in Jökulsárlón, Iceland.9601280

Various exterior scenes where Bond visits the Ice Palace in Die Another Day were shot here, in and around this iceberg-filled lake in Jökulsárlón, Iceland.

Thinkstock

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como, Italy

In 2006, actor Daniel Craig became the new Bond in Casino Royale. Director Martin Campbell and the production crew traveled to Prague, the Bahamas, Uganda and Italy to shoot scenes for the movie. Near the end of the movie, the secret agent wakes up in a hospital in Lake Como, Italy (pictured), after he was tortured by terrorist financier Le Chiffre.9601280

In 2006, actor Daniel Craig became the new Bond in Casino Royale. Director Martin Campbell and the production crew traveled to Prague, the Bahamas, Uganda and Italy to shoot scenes for the movie. Near the end of the movie, the secret agent wakes up in a hospital in Lake Como, Italy (pictured), after he was tortured by terrorist financier Le Chiffre.

Thinkstock

Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert

In Quantum Solace (2008), Chile’s Atacama Desert (pictured) was filmed to create the scene in the Bolivian desert where villain Dominic Greene reveals his plan to control Bolivia’s water supply.9601280

In Quantum Solace (2008), Chile’s Atacama Desert (pictured) was filmed to create the scene in the Bolivian desert where villain Dominic Greene reveals his plan to control Bolivia’s water supply.

Thinkstock

Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square

Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square (pictured), Spice Bazaar, Yeni Camii and Grand Bazaar were closed to film the most recent James Bond flick, Skyfall.9601280

Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square (pictured), Spice Bazaar, Yeni Camii and Grand Bazaar were closed to film the most recent James Bond flick, Skyfall.

Mario Sanchez Prada, Flickr

You Might Also Like

Forks, Washington

Forks, Washington

Forks, WA, a sleepy small town in the Pacific Northwest, sprang to life with the Twilight phenomenon. The rainiest town in the US, averaging 212 days of rain a year, was the perfect setting for author Stephenie Meyer to base her Twilight book series. Where else would a family of sun-fearing vampires live? 9601280

Forks, WA, a sleepy small town in the Pacific Northwest, sprang to life with the Twilight phenomenon. The rainiest town in the US, averaging 212 days of rain a year, was the perfect setting for author Stephenie Meyer to base her Twilight book series. Where else would a family of sun-fearing vampires live?

pflky, flickr

Forks, Twilight Town

Forks, Twilight Town

The Twilight craze breathed new life into the town of Forks, WA. “Twihards" from around the world flock to this wet town on the Olympic Peninsula to see the locations from the books and films. Forks, a 3-stoplight town, welcomes fans to explore its darker side, embracing its official “Twilight” town status. 9601280

The Twilight craze breathed new life into the town of Forks, WA. “Twihards" from around the world flock to this wet town on the Olympic Peninsula to see the locations from the books and films. Forks, a 3-stoplight town, welcomes fans to explore its darker side, embracing its official “Twilight” town status.

Kathy McGraw, flickr

Bella’s Truck

Bella’s Truck

Stop by the Forks Chamber of Commerce for your Twilight tour map and get a photo with “Bella’s Truck.” The 1956 Chevy truck was painted red by one of the town’s residents in homage to the Twilight character that brought this town its fame. 9601280

Stop by the Forks Chamber of Commerce for your Twilight tour map and get a photo with “Bella’s Truck.” The 1956 Chevy truck was painted red by one of the town’s residents in homage to the Twilight character that brought this town its fame.

Duane Burdick, flickr

The Cullen House

The Cullen House

The Miller Tree Inn in Forks, WA, is named the “Cullen House” by the town of Forks. While it resembles the book’s description of the Cullen’s home, it looks nothing like the movie version. That doesn’t stop fans from relishing in the Twilight theme here, with innkeepers who speak “Twilight” and Twilight memorabilia scattered throughout the inn.9601280

The Miller Tree Inn in Forks, WA, is named the “Cullen House” by the town of Forks. While it resembles the book’s description of the Cullen’s home, it looks nothing like the movie version. That doesn’t stop fans from relishing in the Twilight theme here, with innkeepers who speak “Twilight” and Twilight memorabilia scattered throughout the inn.

Ewen Roberts, flickr

Bella Italia

Bella Italia

Loyal locals and Twilight fans from around the world dine at this small Italian restaurant in Port Angeles, the setting for Edward and Bella's first date. If you’re not on a vampire blood-only diet, you have no excuse to pass up Bella’s Mushroom Ravioli. 9601280

Loyal locals and Twilight fans from around the world dine at this small Italian restaurant in Port Angeles, the setting for Edward and Bella's first date. If you’re not on a vampire blood-only diet, you have no excuse to pass up Bella’s Mushroom Ravioli.

Ewen Roberts, flickr

La Push Beach, Washington

La Push Beach, Washington

La Push, a mere 12 miles from Forks, is home to the Quileute people. In the Twilight saga, Jacob and his wolf pack hail from the reservation. Whether you’re on Team Jacob or Team Edward, La Push is worth a visit to see some of the most stunning beaches on the Olympic Peninsula. 9601280

La Push, a mere 12 miles from Forks, is home to the Quileute people. In the Twilight saga, Jacob and his wolf pack hail from the reservation. Whether you’re on Team Jacob or Team Edward, La Push is worth a visit to see some of the most stunning beaches on the Olympic Peninsula.

Diane Bay

Volterra, Italy

Volterra, Italy

The ancient Italian city Volterra is where the powerful vampires Volturi reside in the Twilight saga. In the film version of Twilight’s New Moon, the Volterra scenes were actually filmed in the Italian town Montepulciano. Vampire-scouting aside, both are charming towns that should be part of any Tuscany tour, thanks to their medieval architecture and some of the best wine tasting in Italy. 9601280

The ancient Italian city Volterra is where the powerful vampires Volturi reside in the Twilight saga. In the film version of Twilight’s New Moon, the Volterra scenes were actually filmed in the Italian town Montepulciano. Vampire-scouting aside, both are charming towns that should be part of any Tuscany tour, thanks to their medieval architecture and some of the best wine tasting in Italy.

Thinkstock

Jacob’s Java

Jacob’s Java

La Push’s Quileute people welcome the new interest in their tribe as a result of the Twilight craze. In the saga, Jacob leads young Quileute men who shapeshift into wolves and are tasked with guarding the reservation from vampires. Fans can stop by Jacob’s Java espresso stand in La Push for a cup of famous Washington coffee and perhaps a little werewolf scouting. 9601280

La Push’s Quileute people welcome the new interest in their tribe as a result of the Twilight craze. In the saga, Jacob leads young Quileute men who shapeshift into wolves and are tasked with guarding the reservation from vampires. Fans can stop by Jacob’s Java espresso stand in La Push for a cup of famous Washington coffee and perhaps a little werewolf scouting.

Kathy McGraw, flickr

Hoh Rain Forest

Hoh Rain Forest

The Hoh Rain Forest, lying outside the town of Forks, WA, can get up to 12 feet of rain a year, earning the status of one of the wettest spots in the world. The gloomy skies and towering trees (over 200 feet high and 500 years old) make it the perfect setting for vampire and werewolf battles in Twilight. 9601280

The Hoh Rain Forest, lying outside the town of Forks, WA, can get up to 12 feet of rain a year, earning the status of one of the wettest spots in the world. The gloomy skies and towering trees (over 200 feet high and 500 years old) make it the perfect setting for vampire and werewolf battles in Twilight.

rickz,flickr

Denali, Alaska

Denali, Alaska

Vegetarian vampires? They exist in this vampire saga. In Twilight, humans are safe from the Denali coven that dwell in Denali, AL. With a large supply of game in the Denali National Park, the Denali vampires feast on wild animals versus humans. With six million acres of stunning wilderness, Denali appeals to us for its lack of humans, too. 9601280

Vegetarian vampires? They exist in this vampire saga. In Twilight, humans are safe from the Denali coven that dwell in Denali, AL. With a large supply of game in the Denali National Park, the Denali vampires feast on wild animals versus humans. With six million acres of stunning wilderness, Denali appeals to us for its lack of humans, too.

ThinkStock

Port Angeles, Washington

Port Angeles, Washington

In Twilight, Port Angeles is the often the small-town escape for teenagers in Forks -- whether to watch a movie, shop for prom dresses or to have their first date with a vampire. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Port Angeles gets significantly less rain than other areas of Washington -- hardly good news for sun-fearing vampires traveling through here. 9601280

In Twilight, Port Angeles is the often the small-town escape for teenagers in Forks -- whether to watch a movie, shop for prom dresses or to have their first date with a vampire. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Port Angeles gets significantly less rain than other areas of Washington -- hardly good news for sun-fearing vampires traveling through here.

J Brew, flickr

Paraty, Brazil

Paraty, Brazil

If you were a vampire who’d just gotten married, where would you go on your honeymoon? A private island in Brazil, of course. While the book’s Isle Esme is fictional, the Breaking Dawn film was shot in Paraty, Brazil. You can even rent the house in Paraty, where Bella and Edward’s honeymoon scene was filmed, for a mere $4,000 a day. The romantic paradise can only be accessed by boat or helicopter; it even has its own private beach. 9601280

If you were a vampire who’d just gotten married, where would you go on your honeymoon? A private island in Brazil, of course. While the book’s Isle Esme is fictional, the Breaking Dawn film was shot in Paraty, Brazil. You can even rent the house in Paraty, where Bella and Edward’s honeymoon scene was filmed, for a mere $4,000 a day. The romantic paradise can only be accessed by boat or helicopter; it even has its own private beach.

Wollaton Hall

Wollaton Hall, a country house in Nottingham, England, was the film location for Wayne Manor. It is open to the public, but don’t expect Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred, to greet you at the door.9601280

Wollaton Hall, a country house in Nottingham, England, was the film location for Wayne Manor. It is open to the public, but don’t expect Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred, to greet you at the door.

ExperienceNotts Media, Flickr

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University

The prison breakout and brawl scene between Gotham City police officers and escaped prisoners was captured here at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Scenes were filmed at the university’s Software Engineering Institute and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research.9601280

The prison breakout and brawl scene between Gotham City police officers and escaped prisoners was captured here at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Scenes were filmed at the university’s Software Engineering Institute and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research.

James Lin, Flickr

The Farmiloe Building

The Farmiloe Building

Where did director Christopher Nolan film the Gotham City Police Department scenes? They were shot here at the Farmiloe Building in London.9601280

Where did director Christopher Nolan film the Gotham City Police Department scenes? They were shot here at the Farmiloe Building in London.

Matt Brown, Flickr

Queensboro Bridge

Queensboro Bridge

Moviegoers witnessed explosions on bridges leading into and out of Gotham City. Action scenes and some of the faux explosion scenes were shot here on the Queensboro Bridge in Manhattan.9601280

Moviegoers witnessed explosions on bridges leading into and out of Gotham City. Action scenes and some of the faux explosion scenes were shot here on the Queensboro Bridge in Manhattan.

Vincent Desjardins, Flickr

Wall Street

Wall Street

Wall Street, NYC’s financial district, was the backdrop for the over-the-top battle scenes between Batman and his arch nemesis, Bane.9601280

Wall Street, NYC’s financial district, was the backdrop for the over-the-top battle scenes between Batman and his arch nemesis, Bane.

Getty Images

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort

Spoiler alert! Battered and bruised Bruce Wayne aka Batman was one of only 2 people to crawl from a prison pit staged here at Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India.9601280

Spoiler alert! Battered and bruised Bruce Wayne aka Batman was one of only 2 people to crawl from a prison pit staged here at Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India.

Thinkstock

Turda Saline

Turda Saline

Travel to Turda Saline, Romania -- a salt mine rumored to be the location of the Dark Knight’s infamous batcave.9601280

Travel to Turda Saline, Romania -- a salt mine rumored to be the location of the Dark Knight’s infamous batcave.

Cristian Bortes, Flickr

Heinz Field

Heinz Field

Director Christopher Nolan used Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field to film a memorable movie scene. In The Dark Knight Rises, diabolical villain Bane sets off underground bombs that cause the football field to collapse under the feet of the football players, while fans watch in disbelief.9601280

Director Christopher Nolan used Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field to film a memorable movie scene. In The Dark Knight Rises, diabolical villain Bane sets off underground bombs that cause the football field to collapse under the feet of the football players, while fans watch in disbelief.

Getty Images

Trump Tower

Trump Tower

Not surprisingly, Trump Tower, located in Midtown Manhattan, was the film location for Wayne Enterprises’ headquarters -- where Bane and his motley crew unexpectedly take over the company.9601280

Not surprisingly, Trump Tower, located in Midtown Manhattan, was the film location for Wayne Enterprises’ headquarters -- where Bane and his motley crew unexpectedly take over the company.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Iceland

Ben Stiller directs this film adaption of the short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and stars as the hapless dreamer Mitty, who finally takes an adventure outside of his wild imagination. And what an adventure it is -- from jumping out of a helicopter off the coast of Greenland to skateboarding down Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Iceland is taking advantage of the film’s inspiring scenes and is offering Walter Mitty Tours of film locations, skateboards not included. 9601280

Ben Stiller directs this film adaption of the short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and stars as the hapless dreamer Mitty, who finally takes an adventure outside of his wild imagination. And what an adventure it is -- from jumping out of a helicopter off the coast of Greenland to skateboarding down Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Iceland is taking advantage of the film’s inspiring scenes and is offering Walter Mitty Tours of film locations, skateboards not included.

Thinkstock

The Great Gatsby, Long Island, NY

The Great Gatsby, Long Island, NY

This much-buzzed-about Baz Luhrmann film adaptation of literary classic The Great Gatsby spurred a huge interest this year in Long Island’s Gold Coast, where Gatsby lived in his lavish West Egg mansion. Everyone went gaga for Gatsby this year, including New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel, which invited guests to travel “ceaselessly back into the past” of the opulent Jazz era with their new Gatsby-inspired Fitzgerald Suite. 9601280

This much-buzzed-about Baz Luhrmann film adaptation of literary classic The Great Gatsby spurred a huge interest this year in Long Island’s Gold Coast, where Gatsby lived in his lavish West Egg mansion. Everyone went gaga for Gatsby this year, including New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel, which invited guests to travel “ceaselessly back into the past” of the opulent Jazz era with their new Gatsby-inspired Fitzgerald Suite.

Vince Kish

Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Hawaii

Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Hawaii

The second installment in the Hunger Games trilogy, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, is doing just that in tourism. Fans are following Katniss’ footsteps traveling to filming locations on Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii. The dense jungles and natural beaches there were the backdrop for 75th Hunger Games battle-to-the-death. And Kawela Bay, minutes from Turtle Bay resort (where cast stayed during filming), served as the saltwater lake Quell arena in the film.9601280

The second installment in the Hunger Games trilogy, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, is doing just that in tourism. Fans are following Katniss’ footsteps traveling to filming locations on Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii. The dense jungles and natural beaches there were the backdrop for 75th Hunger Games battle-to-the-death. And Kawela Bay, minutes from Turtle Bay resort (where cast stayed during filming), served as the saltwater lake Quell arena in the film.

Max Kiesler, flickr

Big Sur, Big Sur

Big Sur, Big Sur

Based on a Jack Kerouac novel, Sundance film Big Sur portrays the rugged and evocative beauty of California’s Central Coast. You can’t watch the film and not imagine hopping in your car to take a road trip down winding Pacific coast highways, complete with the sun on your face and the wind whipping through your hair. Donning a pair of Beat-inspired dark shades wouldn’t hurt, either. 9601280

Based on a Jack Kerouac novel, Sundance film Big Sur portrays the rugged and evocative beauty of California’s Central Coast. You can’t watch the film and not imagine hopping in your car to take a road trip down winding Pacific coast highways, complete with the sun on your face and the wind whipping through your hair. Donning a pair of Beat-inspired dark shades wouldn’t hurt, either.

Medioimages/Photodisc

Gravity, Space Travel

Gravity, Space Travel

After watching Sandra Bullock adrift in space in Gravity, the idea of space travel becomes even more intriguing. Luckily, for those that have the budget, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is set to make its inaugural flight to space in 2014. For a mere $250,000, you can finally realize your dream of being an astronaut and travel to the final frontier.9601280

After watching Sandra Bullock adrift in space in Gravity, the idea of space travel becomes even more intriguing. Luckily, for those that have the budget, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is set to make its inaugural flight to space in 2014. For a mere $250,000, you can finally realize your dream of being an astronaut and travel to the final frontier.

Thinkstock

Lee Daniels' The Butler, Washington, DC

Lee Daniels' The Butler, Washington, DC

Lee Daniels’ The Butler depicts the Civil Rights movement from a unique perspective – the White House butler. The man who inspired the film, Eugene Allen, worked in the White House for more than 30 years. Take a detour off the Mall, and celebrate more African American history on a tour of the U Street neighborhood, DC’s cultural center for the African American community from the Civil Rights movement to today. 9601280

Lee Daniels’ The Butler depicts the Civil Rights movement from a unique perspective – the White House butler. The man who inspired the film, Eugene Allen, worked in the White House for more than 30 years. Take a detour off the Mall, and celebrate more African American history on a tour of the U Street neighborhood, DC’s cultural center for the African American community from the Civil Rights movement to today.

Thinkstock

Inside Llewyn Davis, NYC

Inside Llewyn Davis, NYC

Film and music lovers can’t get enough of Inside Llewyn Davis, the Coen Brothers film that follows the 1960s folk scene in New York’s Greenwich Village. Take the “Greenwich Village Rock Tour” to walk the streets and visit the bars that your favorite musicians, like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, once did. Warning: desire to break out in song likely.9601280

Film and music lovers can’t get enough of Inside Llewyn Davis, the Coen Brothers film that follows the 1960s folk scene in New York’s Greenwich Village. Take the “Greenwich Village Rock Tour” to walk the streets and visit the bars that your favorite musicians, like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, once did. Warning: desire to break out in song likely.

iStock

Before Midnight, Greece

Before Midnight, Greece

Greece isn’t a hard sell when it comes to travel. We are reminded of why this Mediterranean paradise is such a hot spot in Before Midnight, the “threequel" to Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. The filming location of Messenia in the southwest Peloponnese Peninsula has been off the radar for tourists. Until this film came out, of course. Sorry, Santorini and Mykonos, we have fallen in love again. 9601280

Greece isn’t a hard sell when it comes to travel. We are reminded of why this Mediterranean paradise is such a hot spot in Before Midnight, the “threequel" to Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. The filming location of Messenia in the southwest Peloponnese Peninsula has been off the radar for tourists. Until this film came out, of course. Sorry, Santorini and Mykonos, we have fallen in love again.

Getty Images

Adore, Australia

Adore, Australia

Adore, an Australian film about 2 old friends falling in love with each other’s son is a provocative tale. And the beaches where it was filmed are just as shocking … in how stunningly beautiful they are. Seal Rocks in New South Wales was the setting for the small town coastal paradise where the son swapping takes place, but the film had us lusting after any beach Down Under. 9601280

Adore, an Australian film about 2 old friends falling in love with each other’s son is a provocative tale. And the beaches where it was filmed are just as shocking … in how stunningly beautiful they are. Seal Rocks in New South Wales was the setting for the small town coastal paradise where the son swapping takes place, but the film had us lusting after any beach Down Under.

Photographer: Mikulas Jaros

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, South Africa

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, South Africa

The passing of Nelson Mandela and the release of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, a biopic about Mandela’s struggle to free South Africa, brings even more interest to the places that played an important role in his life. Just off Cape Town, Robben Island, the prison where Mandela was incarnated for almost 2 decades, offers tours to “honor a legacy of forgiveness.” Visiting the tiny cell where the civil rights leader spent so much of his life is sure to be both a powerful and unforgettable experience.9601280

The passing of Nelson Mandela and the release of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, a biopic about Mandela’s struggle to free South Africa, brings even more interest to the places that played an important role in his life. Just off Cape Town, Robben Island, the prison where Mandela was incarnated for almost 2 decades, offers tours to “honor a legacy of forgiveness.” Visiting the tiny cell where the civil rights leader spent so much of his life is sure to be both a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Photos

Forks, Washington

Forks, WA, a sleepy small town in the Pacific Northwest, sprang to life with the Twilight phenomenon. The rainiest town in the US, averaging 212 days of rain a year, was the perfect setting for author Stephenie Meyer to base her Twilight book series. Where else would a family of sun-fearing vampires live? 9601280

Forks, WA, a sleepy small town in the Pacific Northwest, sprang to life with the Twilight phenomenon. The rainiest town in the US, averaging 212 days of rain a year, was the perfect setting for author Stephenie Meyer to base her Twilight book series. Where else would a family of sun-fearing vampires live?

pflky, flickr

Forks, Twilight Town

Forks, Twilight Town

The Twilight craze breathed new life into the town of Forks, WA. “Twihards" from around the world flock to this wet town on the Olympic Peninsula to see the locations from the books and films. Forks, a 3-stoplight town, welcomes fans to explore its darker side, embracing its official “Twilight” town status. 9601280

The Twilight craze breathed new life into the town of Forks, WA. “Twihards" from around the world flock to this wet town on the Olympic Peninsula to see the locations from the books and films. Forks, a 3-stoplight town, welcomes fans to explore its darker side, embracing its official “Twilight” town status.

Kathy McGraw, flickr

Bella’s Truck

Bella’s Truck

Stop by the Forks Chamber of Commerce for your Twilight tour map and get a photo with “Bella’s Truck.” The 1956 Chevy truck was painted red by one of the town’s residents in homage to the Twilight character that brought this town its fame. 9601280

Stop by the Forks Chamber of Commerce for your Twilight tour map and get a photo with “Bella’s Truck.” The 1956 Chevy truck was painted red by one of the town’s residents in homage to the Twilight character that brought this town its fame.

Duane Burdick, flickr

The Cullen House

The Cullen House

The Miller Tree Inn in Forks, WA, is named the “Cullen House” by the town of Forks. While it resembles the book’s description of the Cullen’s home, it looks nothing like the movie version. That doesn’t stop fans from relishing in the Twilight theme here, with innkeepers who speak “Twilight” and Twilight memorabilia scattered throughout the inn.9601280

The Miller Tree Inn in Forks, WA, is named the “Cullen House” by the town of Forks. While it resembles the book’s description of the Cullen’s home, it looks nothing like the movie version. That doesn’t stop fans from relishing in the Twilight theme here, with innkeepers who speak “Twilight” and Twilight memorabilia scattered throughout the inn.

Ewen Roberts, flickr

Bella Italia

Bella Italia

Loyal locals and Twilight fans from around the world dine at this small Italian restaurant in Port Angeles, the setting for Edward and Bella's first date. If you’re not on a vampire blood-only diet, you have no excuse to pass up Bella’s Mushroom Ravioli. 9601280

Loyal locals and Twilight fans from around the world dine at this small Italian restaurant in Port Angeles, the setting for Edward and Bella's first date. If you’re not on a vampire blood-only diet, you have no excuse to pass up Bella’s Mushroom Ravioli.

Ewen Roberts, flickr

La Push Beach, Washington

La Push Beach, Washington

La Push, a mere 12 miles from Forks, is home to the Quileute people. In the Twilight saga, Jacob and his wolf pack hail from the reservation. Whether you’re on Team Jacob or Team Edward, La Push is worth a visit to see some of the most stunning beaches on the Olympic Peninsula. 9601280

La Push, a mere 12 miles from Forks, is home to the Quileute people. In the Twilight saga, Jacob and his wolf pack hail from the reservation. Whether you’re on Team Jacob or Team Edward, La Push is worth a visit to see some of the most stunning beaches on the Olympic Peninsula.

Diane Bay

Volterra, Italy

Volterra, Italy

The ancient Italian city Volterra is where the powerful vampires Volturi reside in the Twilight saga. In the film version of Twilight’s New Moon, the Volterra scenes were actually filmed in the Italian town Montepulciano. Vampire-scouting aside, both are charming towns that should be part of any Tuscany tour, thanks to their medieval architecture and some of the best wine tasting in Italy. 9601280

The ancient Italian city Volterra is where the powerful vampires Volturi reside in the Twilight saga. In the film version of Twilight’s New Moon, the Volterra scenes were actually filmed in the Italian town Montepulciano. Vampire-scouting aside, both are charming towns that should be part of any Tuscany tour, thanks to their medieval architecture and some of the best wine tasting in Italy.

Thinkstock

Jacob’s Java

Jacob’s Java

La Push’s Quileute people welcome the new interest in their tribe as a result of the Twilight craze. In the saga, Jacob leads young Quileute men who shapeshift into wolves and are tasked with guarding the reservation from vampires. Fans can stop by Jacob’s Java espresso stand in La Push for a cup of famous Washington coffee and perhaps a little werewolf scouting. 9601280

La Push’s Quileute people welcome the new interest in their tribe as a result of the Twilight craze. In the saga, Jacob leads young Quileute men who shapeshift into wolves and are tasked with guarding the reservation from vampires. Fans can stop by Jacob’s Java espresso stand in La Push for a cup of famous Washington coffee and perhaps a little werewolf scouting.

Kathy McGraw, flickr

Hoh Rain Forest

Hoh Rain Forest

The Hoh Rain Forest, lying outside the town of Forks, WA, can get up to 12 feet of rain a year, earning the status of one of the wettest spots in the world. The gloomy skies and towering trees (over 200 feet high and 500 years old) make it the perfect setting for vampire and werewolf battles in Twilight. 9601280

The Hoh Rain Forest, lying outside the town of Forks, WA, can get up to 12 feet of rain a year, earning the status of one of the wettest spots in the world. The gloomy skies and towering trees (over 200 feet high and 500 years old) make it the perfect setting for vampire and werewolf battles in Twilight.

rickz,flickr

Denali, Alaska

Denali, Alaska

Vegetarian vampires? They exist in this vampire saga. In Twilight, humans are safe from the Denali coven that dwell in Denali, AL. With a large supply of game in the Denali National Park, the Denali vampires feast on wild animals versus humans. With six million acres of stunning wilderness, Denali appeals to us for its lack of humans, too. 9601280

Vegetarian vampires? They exist in this vampire saga. In Twilight, humans are safe from the Denali coven that dwell in Denali, AL. With a large supply of game in the Denali National Park, the Denali vampires feast on wild animals versus humans. With six million acres of stunning wilderness, Denali appeals to us for its lack of humans, too.

ThinkStock

Port Angeles, Washington

Port Angeles, Washington

In Twilight, Port Angeles is the often the small-town escape for teenagers in Forks -- whether to watch a movie, shop for prom dresses or to have their first date with a vampire. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Port Angeles gets significantly less rain than other areas of Washington -- hardly good news for sun-fearing vampires traveling through here. 9601280

In Twilight, Port Angeles is the often the small-town escape for teenagers in Forks -- whether to watch a movie, shop for prom dresses or to have their first date with a vampire. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Port Angeles gets significantly less rain than other areas of Washington -- hardly good news for sun-fearing vampires traveling through here.

J Brew, flickr

Paraty, Brazil

Paraty, Brazil

If you were a vampire who’d just gotten married, where would you go on your honeymoon? A private island in Brazil, of course. While the book’s Isle Esme is fictional, the Breaking Dawn film was shot in Paraty, Brazil. You can even rent the house in Paraty, where Bella and Edward’s honeymoon scene was filmed, for a mere $4,000 a day. The romantic paradise can only be accessed by boat or helicopter; it even has its own private beach. 9601280

If you were a vampire who’d just gotten married, where would you go on your honeymoon? A private island in Brazil, of course. While the book’s Isle Esme is fictional, the Breaking Dawn film was shot in Paraty, Brazil. You can even rent the house in Paraty, where Bella and Edward’s honeymoon scene was filmed, for a mere $4,000 a day. The romantic paradise can only be accessed by boat or helicopter; it even has its own private beach.

Wollaton Hall

Wollaton Hall, a country house in Nottingham, England, was the film location for Wayne Manor. It is open to the public, but don’t expect Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred, to greet you at the door.9601280

Wollaton Hall, a country house in Nottingham, England, was the film location for Wayne Manor. It is open to the public, but don’t expect Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred, to greet you at the door.

ExperienceNotts Media, Flickr

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University

The prison breakout and brawl scene between Gotham City police officers and escaped prisoners was captured here at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Scenes were filmed at the university’s Software Engineering Institute and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research.9601280

The prison breakout and brawl scene between Gotham City police officers and escaped prisoners was captured here at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Scenes were filmed at the university’s Software Engineering Institute and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research.

James Lin, Flickr

The Farmiloe Building

The Farmiloe Building

Where did director Christopher Nolan film the Gotham City Police Department scenes? They were shot here at the Farmiloe Building in London.9601280

Where did director Christopher Nolan film the Gotham City Police Department scenes? They were shot here at the Farmiloe Building in London.

Matt Brown, Flickr

Queensboro Bridge

Queensboro Bridge

Moviegoers witnessed explosions on bridges leading into and out of Gotham City. Action scenes and some of the faux explosion scenes were shot here on the Queensboro Bridge in Manhattan.9601280

Moviegoers witnessed explosions on bridges leading into and out of Gotham City. Action scenes and some of the faux explosion scenes were shot here on the Queensboro Bridge in Manhattan.

Vincent Desjardins, Flickr

Wall Street

Wall Street

Wall Street, NYC’s financial district, was the backdrop for the over-the-top battle scenes between Batman and his arch nemesis, Bane.9601280

Wall Street, NYC’s financial district, was the backdrop for the over-the-top battle scenes between Batman and his arch nemesis, Bane.

Getty Images

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort

Spoiler alert! Battered and bruised Bruce Wayne aka Batman was one of only 2 people to crawl from a prison pit staged here at Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India.9601280

Spoiler alert! Battered and bruised Bruce Wayne aka Batman was one of only 2 people to crawl from a prison pit staged here at Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India.

Thinkstock

Turda Saline

Turda Saline

Travel to Turda Saline, Romania -- a salt mine rumored to be the location of the Dark Knight’s infamous batcave.9601280

Travel to Turda Saline, Romania -- a salt mine rumored to be the location of the Dark Knight’s infamous batcave.

Cristian Bortes, Flickr

Heinz Field

Heinz Field

Director Christopher Nolan used Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field to film a memorable movie scene. In The Dark Knight Rises, diabolical villain Bane sets off underground bombs that cause the football field to collapse under the feet of the football players, while fans watch in disbelief.9601280

Director Christopher Nolan used Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field to film a memorable movie scene. In The Dark Knight Rises, diabolical villain Bane sets off underground bombs that cause the football field to collapse under the feet of the football players, while fans watch in disbelief.

Getty Images

Trump Tower

Trump Tower

Not surprisingly, Trump Tower, located in Midtown Manhattan, was the film location for Wayne Enterprises’ headquarters -- where Bane and his motley crew unexpectedly take over the company.9601280

Not surprisingly, Trump Tower, located in Midtown Manhattan, was the film location for Wayne Enterprises’ headquarters -- where Bane and his motley crew unexpectedly take over the company.